Who Gives A Fish Forums

The Tetras and Corys aren't the issue, but 8 adult Discus is a lot for 75 gallons. They'll grow more, and space will shrink. Consider upgrading or reducing stock before it's a problem.

kayden wrote: ↑Sat May 31, 2025 6:42 am Sand seems to be the consensus here. I'll probably go with that. Any tips on how deep to layer it?

Keep it around 1-2 inches. Any deeper, and you risk anaerobic bacteria buildup. I use a thin layer in my 75-gallon, and it's perfect for sifting.

Yep, subway's spot on. RO water's sketchy for Discus unless you remineralize. I run a mix of 70% RO and 30% tap to keep things chill. Also, check your filter media. If it's packed with bio balls or ceramic rings, they can acidify over time. Swap some out for fresh ones or add a bag of crushed ...

Just watch out if you're using CO2. Some plants might outcompete others, and angels can be sensitive to sudden CO2 changes.

If you're gonna plant, make sure your substrate is deep enough for roots. Amazon Swords need at least 3 inches. Also, angels prefer slightly acidic water, so keep that in mind with your plant choices.

Yo, you gotta bump up the feeding frequency. Fry need to eat like 5-6 times a day, small amounts. Try adding some microworms or vinegar eels to the mix. They're tiny and packed with nutrients. Also, check your water params, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate under 10ppm.


Yep, microworms are a game ...

I've heard Anubias can yellow if they're not getting enough CO2. Even with Excel, it might not be enough. Have you considered a CO2 system? It's a bit of an investment, but it could help.

UV's overkill unless you've got algae or disease issues. I'd focus on the basics first. How's your filter media setup? I run sponges and bio rings in my canister. Also, what's your lighting schedule? Mine's on for 8 hours, seems to keep the plants happy without stressing the fish.

I've got a similar setup, 75 gallon with a canister filter. Used Seachem Prime during cycling. Took about 3 weeks to stabilize. Now I do 30% changes twice a week. My Discus seem happy, but I'm not sure if I should increase the frequency. They're eating well, mostly frozen bloodworms and flakes ...

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I've had them for about 3 months, so not super new. Filter's a canister, but I'll check the flow. pH is 6.8, and I use tap with Prime. No recent changes, but I'll try dimming the lights and adding more plants. Appreciate the help!